Elucidation of the molecular basis for regional differences in hormone responsiveness of skin appendages

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K06721
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 44040:Morphology and anatomical structure-related
• Research Institution: Okayama University
• Principal Investigator: Takeuchi Sakae 岡山大学, 自然科学学域, 教授 (20226989)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 羽形成 / 性差 / 遅羽 / ホルモン制御 / メラノコルチン系 / プロラクチン系 / 甲状腺ホルモン系

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The saddle feathers of chickens show marked sex differences. Females have round brown feathers, while males have glossy reddish-brown ornamental feathers with a fringe structure lacking barbules. Male-specific morphology of saddle feathers is related to the expression of ASIP and the thyroid hormone (TH) inactivating enzyme DIO3, and administration of E2 to males reduces the expression of these genes and forms female-type feathers. In this study, we found that POMC mRNA expression is enhanced by the action of T3 on feather pulp cells, and that ASIP is secreted as a glycoprotein. Furthermore, we identified a novel TH receptor subtype with loss-of-function expressed in feather follicles, in addition to the known subtypes. It was also suggested that the TH system may be involved in the feather elongation action of prolactin.

Free Research Field

分子内分泌学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

皮膚付属器は性選択を含む様々な淘汰圧を受ける重要な構造体である。その性差形成や伸長に関わるホルモンの作用機序の理解は，基礎生物学的に重要であるだけでなく，育毛や美容といった面からも強い要請がある。この意味で，得られた結果は，皮膚科学や育毛，美容といった関連分野への波及効果が高いと考えられる。